Listen, the nail theories are fun, but they are out of control. We’ve explored the entire color wheel, and now, there’s supposedly another shade that can psychoanalyze your love life from across the room. While the white nail theory hints that its wearer is single and ready to mingle, the blue nail theory implies that if your donning the color, you're taken. So, I decided to tap a manicurist and a relationship expert to see if this theory is worth investing in.
TikTok Is Obsessed with Blue Nail Theory—But I'm Calling B.S
Can it really signify relationship status?
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Published May 12, 2025
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Meet the Experts
- Lily Nguyen is a celebrity nail artist and founder of Labo Beauté. With a career spanning in high fashion, film and editorial, her work has been featured in Vogue China, Adidas campaigns, and numerous films and reality TV shows.
- Dr. Joy Berkheimer, PhD, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, sexologist, and founder of Renew Yourself With Joy LLC. As the creator of the Glow Your Goddess®, she blends her expertise in therapy, shadow work, coaching and intuitive healing to help clients thrive. She also currently serves as the Chief Sexologist at The Sexual Wellness Awards.
What Is Blue Nail Theory
Apparently, sporting blue nails signals that you’re happy and taken. According to TikTok, if you’re sporting a baby or sky blue polish, you’re telling the world that you’re in a committed relationship. It’s also reported that you’re more likely to get compliments from your SO. “TikTok has a way of turning trends into cultural talking points, and blue nails have become a symbol in the dating space. It also plays on Gen Z and millennials’ interest in decoding subtle signs in relationships,” explains Nguyen.
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Why Is Blue Nail Theory Trending?
Nail theories began popping up in 2020, but blue nail theory started surging in popularity around March 2025. And, as previously reported, the hue apparently represents intuition, devotion, fairness, wisdom and authority—so it kinda makes sense this shade has become attached to a stable relationship status.
It’s honestly like switching up the traditional stoplight parties (the one where you have to wear certain colors to signal your relationship status) into a more chic beauty look. “It says more about how we’re seeking new ways to communicate and interpret signs in modern dating than it does about any actual relationship. Nail shade, design and length don’t define a relationship, but the conversations around the nail colors and styles we choose can reflect how attuned we are to small gestures from our partners,” shares Nguyen. “As long as it’s taken lightly, it can be playful and harmless. But if someone uses it to gauge the seriousness of their relationship, or feels pressured to perform a relationship status through beauty choice that would be concerning.”
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But Does Blue Nail Theory Really Hold Up?
The experts and I are leading towards…no. It’s not scientifically proven nor has it been studied enough to throw all your nail polishes away in favor of only blues. Though Dr. Berkheimer, PhD, points out it can just be fun and symbolic rather than factual. “The blue nail theory isn’t an officially recognized or scientific concept, it's more of a cultural symbol that’s spread through social media and conversations about self-identity and expression. It’s become a symbol women are using to communicate unspoken truths about relationships, setting boundaries and self-respect, especially in spaces where words can sometimes feel limiting or unsafe.”
The Bottom Line: Don’t Take the Blue Nail Theory Too Seriously
Like most TikTok trends, I wouldn’t take it too seriously. Whether you sport blue or not, it shouldn’t define your relationship (or lack thereof). Just like how red or black polish may evoke confidence, blue nail polish can simply be a conversation starter or a sarcastic way to tell unwanted attention that you have a partner. “It’s crucial to remember: your nail polish doesn’t dictate your relationship. It’s a reflection. The real question is, does this expression help you honor your truth? If it reminds you to set boundaries and walk in your power—then it’s serving a purpose,” says Dr. Berkheimer.
After speaking with the experts, I conclude that the blue nail theory is just an excuse to make the shade a more popular choice to choose in the salon. Back in February 2024, I saw an uptick in blue nail ideas and I think it has less to do with showing off relationship status and more that the color is just cool to sport on your nails. But does that make I, a single pringle, sound bitter? Eh, I think not. But let’s just pause on these nail theories, OK?
